In Loving Memory of
John A. Schmidt
1945-2024
Obituary of John A. Schmidt
Beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, John Alexander Schmidt, died peacefully, surrounded by his family on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024.Raised in Kitchener-Waterloo and graduating from Mohawk College with a diploma in Business Administration in 1969, he was a lifelong IBM’er where he was a Project Manager until his retirement. He was an avid camper and outdoorsman, and spoke fondly of his younger days as a lifeguard and football player (he “bunged up” his knee in Waterloo Park - he’d show you exactly where, every time). He was an accomplished carpenter, woodworker, photographer and even dabbled in stained glass.
In earlier days, John travelled North America extensively. It was a mission of his to see all of Canada’s National Parks with his family, and he darn near did so. Travelling as far north as Tuktoyaktuk and Iqaluit, John had an abiding reverence for our beautiful country and wanted to see it all. Also no stranger to the US, he spent many happy years wintering in Arizona in retirement, where he had the good fortune to meet his future bride, Sandy. Having lived between Alberta and Ontario for most of his life, he made friends all over the country and was always diligent in keeping in touch with them. John was easily pleased. Give him a cribbage board, a bowl of ice cream, the company of “his Sandy” or visitors at his kitchen table, and you’d see a smile on his face.
John is survived by his wife, Sandra “Sandy” Dunn, her daughter Trish O’Shea and son-in-law Jeremy, her grandchildren Cait and Nick, his sister Jane Zielonka, her husband Gene and son Jeremy, his daughter Jane Schmidt, son-in-law Nicholas Wilson and his grandchildren, Elliott, Elizabeth (Allie) and Abigail (Orion). He is predeceased by his parents, Carl and Margaret Schmidt, and his daughter, Nancy Ann.
John will be missed and was loved dearly by many. The family is grateful for the compassionate care received by the staff in the medical unit at St. Catharines General Hospital. The nursing team was delighted by his spirit, cracking jokes right until the end.
In accordance with John’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A visitation and gathering for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, from 2-4pm at Essentials Cremation and Burial Services, 4300 Drummond Road, Niagara Falls. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Salvation Army would be welcomed.
Service Information
Visitation
Date: August 14, 2024Start Time: 2:00 pm
End Time: 4:00 pm
Venue: Essentials Cremation and Burial Services Inc., 4300 Drummond Road, Niagara Falls
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John was a much loved and enjoyed cousin. We grew up together in Kitchener and have stayed in touch through the years. His visits were always fun, and always included summer sausage! John carried on a much treasured tradition of phoning me on my birthday and singing Happy Birthday, as his Father and Mother had done for many years before. I shall miss that.
Sending my deepest condolences to the Schmidt family, with much love.
We’ve had the privilege of calling John our friend for over 50 years. He was instrumental in introducing us through mutual friends, at the outset of our married life together.
As all of us know, John was man who extended his love and care to all of his family and friends and we personally have benefitted from that largesse.
We are saddened by his passing and will miss his wonderful sense of humour which demonstrated his approach to life.
It is clear that he ended his days with dignity and honour and we applaud him for living his life on his own terms.
We join the family in sharing their grief.
Passing along our condolences to Sandy and the rest of John’s family.
Although we only knew John through Cribbage, we always enjoyed his company when playing together. May he rest in peace.